RESIDENCY FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Who’s eligible for ALTER-?

Only a collective of 3 to 5 people, already formed and transdisciplinary, can apply. The residency is open to all transdisciplinary teams, regardless of age or nationality. Teams can come from anywhere in the world; we encourage those who have already developed research and work in mountain regions to apply. Individuals or teams of students/researchers who wish to do the residency in an academic setting, for example to support a class project or a thesis, will not be considered.

 

What should be the composition of the transdisciplinary collective applying?

Teams must be composed of three to five visual/performance/sound artists, scientists, writers or other professionals who have an established relationship of at least three years and existing work that reflects artistic and environmental themes that resonate with those of ALTER-. The team must include at least one French-speaking member who will provide translation between the residents and the inhabitants of Anniviers.

 

When is the summer 2023 application due, and when will a decision be made

The deadline for applications is January 15, 2023, at 23:00 CET. A jury representing various disciplines will review the applications. The selected team will be notified by February 15, 2023.

 

How long is the ALTER- Residency Program?

Each year, the residency is offered :

  • either for 3 months, from June 5 to August 30  
  • or for 2 months, from July 3 to August 30. 

All residents must arrive between June 3 and 5 or July 1 and 3 and leave on August 30 or 31.

 

Is our team ineligible if we cannot stay for three months?

Priority will be given to teams that can complete the full three-month residency, from June 5 to August 30. However, we understand that might not be possible and can consider two months instead, from July 3 to August 30. Any less than two months compromises your ability to build relationships with the local residents of Val d’Anniviers, the most critical component of ALTER-.

 

Can families, partners, spouses, children and family come?

ALTER- Residency Program unfortunately cannot provide financial help and/or logistics support for partners and/or families.

 

What does the application include?

  • A summary in which you introduce yourself, your work, and what motivated you to apply to the residency.
  • A detailed description of the specific issue you plan to undertake, its challenges, your creative/research process, and the final project you envision developing. Address why this specific region is important to realizing your project.
  • Supporting materials that help illustrate your work, such as a website, CV, a PDF of your portfolio, photos, videos, articles, social media posts, or media coverage.
  • In preparing your application, consider what makes your work innovative; how it engages with pressing environmental issues; how you will collaborate with local inhabitants; and, ultimately, how your residency could contribute to understanding the impacts of — and adaptations to — social, economic, and environmental shifts in mountain regions.

Please note that candidates who do not follow these specifications will be disqualified.

 

Can selected residents apply for additional funding from external resources to support their residency needs?

Residents are welcome to receive additional funding from external resources. However, residents are fully responsible to find and apply for other funding opportunities. Under no circumstances will ALTER- apply to external funding on behalf of the residents.

 

What does the residency provide?

  • A letter of invitation and any document that could help you in your visa application and financial support for your travel expenses to Switzerland.
  • Transportation from Sierre/Siders train station to Chandolin, Anniviers on the day of your arrival. Transportation from Chandolin to Sierre/Siders train station on the day of your departure.
  • Housing in Chandolin. You will be responsible for your meals and household. Additional guests outside of the residency team are not allowed, unless you have pre-arranged and approved your guests with ALTER-.
  • A Pass Anniviers, which gives you free access to the buses and a 50% discount at the ski lifts to get to the mountain huts, different regions and villages of the valley, lakes, summits or other destinations for your research. This pass also offers discounts or free access to various places or activities in Val d’Anniviers.
  • A monthly stipend of CHF 1.500 per person. You will be required to purchase liability, medical, and accident insurance.
  • Ongoing support in facilitating meaningful connections and learning exchanges with local residents.
  • Occasional access to certain tools and spaces, such as basic audiovisual equipment, local wood or metal workshops, and common spaces. Please note that there is no fixed workshop or office available to the team in residence.
  • Connection to local and international researchers from the Université de Lausanne’s Centre interdisciplinaire de recherche sur la montagne (CIRM), whom you may invite to participate in the labs, transmissions and events and/or your final presentation.
  • Audio, photo, and video documentation of your research.
  • Coordination, logistical assistance and technical support for one-off events, labs and transmissions.
  • The co-production of your final project during the last week of the residency for CHF 5000.
  • Continued promotion of your project on this page and via our newsletters and Instagram account.
  • Integration of your project in an international network of research on high-mountain transitions.

Questions about the residency can be addressed to residency@alter-anniviers.com.